DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: UK to Ho Chi Minh City
Fly overnight from the UK to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City
Once you have landed you will be transferred an hour outside of the bustling city to one of our favourite Sundowner homestays, La Maison De Campagne where you will immerse yourself for the next 2 nights in its luxurious and peaceful surroundings. Owner run by Thai Truong Thanh, this stunning family home is the perfect place to unwind, take a dip in the pool, feast on some of the homemade delicacies or if you are itching to explore you can grab one of the bikes and head into the local villages – welcome to Vietnam!

Days 3: Ho Chi Minh City
Today you will learn about the fascinating history behind Vietnam’s past on a private tour of the Chi Chu Tunnels. Our knowledgeable local guide will give you a clear understanding of the not-so-distant history behind this area. Seeing the measures the Vietnamese went to survive, you can even travel down the many tunnels for yourself… if you’re feeling brave enough! Talk to us if you wish to be taken into Saigon and shown the city come alive at night.

Day 4 & 5: Mekong Delta
After a quick transfer from Ho Chi Minh City you will be taken deep into the winding water network of the Delta where you will be staying for 2 nights at The Island Lodge on its own secluded island in the Mekong. Soak up the life of the river, relax and watch the world go by, take a tour to a local coconut farm or cross the river to My Tho taking a bike and exploring true Vietnam life at your own pace.

Day 6: Da Lat
Take a short flight North today to the capital of the Lam Dong Province, Da Lat. You’ll then be transferred 1500 meters above sea level to the French colonial inspired villas of Ana Manadara where you will spend 2 nights surrounded by verdant pines and rich colourful gardens filled with exotic Vietnamese flowers. Spend your day exploring the stunning grounds, relaxing by the pool or if you’re feeling competitive try playing a game of golf, or mini golf, for the not so competitive!

Day 7: Da Lat
Fuel up on breakfast this morning, but don’t worry about having your morning coffee just yet as you start your day with a private tour of the Me Linh Coffee Gardens. Famous for its development of exquisite coffee, you will be able to try the locals’ famous ‘pure weasel’ blend before heading to the stunning Elephant Waterfall. In the afternoon grab your sunnies for a burst of colour as you tour through pine green forest vineyards, vast colourful flower gardens and end your day in the most colourful market in Vietnam, a sight you couldn’t possibly miss!

Day 8: Hoi An
Continue your journey north to the spectacular Hoi an, where for 2 nights you will be staying at the gorgeous villa, Heron House. Surrounded by blooming tropical flowers, you are welcomed from the moment you arrive by not only the attentive and friendly local owners Loic and his wife Van Anh but by the incredibly soothing and calm atmosphere that surround the grounds. Sit back with your hosts, enjoy a freshly made local meal and watch the sunset over the endless surrounding rice fields – a perfect Sundowner moment!

Day 9: Hoi An
Time to jump on your bike today for a private tour of the stunning local countryside. Travel along lush water coconut forests, tranquil ponds and green rice fields where you will be put to work helping on a local farm that supports over 14 neighbouring families. Talk to locals and learn new skills as you get a chance to ride in a traditional basket boat. With all that hard work and excitement, sit and enjoy a cool drink and delicious meal with the local families at a one of a kind restaurant surrounded by lush green rice fields. A truly unforgettable experience!

Day 10: Hoi An
Today wake early, board a boat and cruise to the mouth of the river for your private tour into the Cua Dai Sea. As the sun begins to rise you will see the local fishing fleet start returning to land in their unique Vietnamese bamboo boats, a truly spectacular sight. Help them take out their nets, and have a go yourself to see if you can paddle the boats back to the beach. Once on land enjoy a much-needed Vietnamese coffee and typical fisherman breakfast with the rest of your day free to either go into town and explore or find a local beach and top up your tan! If you fancy trying some of the best cuisine in central Vietnam this evening, then talk to us about going on one of our many street food tours.

Day 11: Hue
After breakfast you will take a scenic drive through the Hai Van Pass, also known as the Pass of Ocean Clouds. Continuing, you will discover the Bach Ma National Park, a protected area in Central Vietnam, covering 220 square km. A private tour from our local guide will see you trekking through the national park where a fifth of the flora of Vietnam has been discovered including rare ferns and orchids, as well as nine other species of primate including the rare red shanked Douc langur. It is also hoped that wild elephants will soon return from the Laos side of the boarder. You will then travel on to Hue where you will spend 2 nights at Hue Riverside Boutique Hotel, perfectly located on the banks of the perfume River.

Day 12: Hue
Leaving tranquil Hue early this morning, you’ll make your way to Vietnam’s Demilitarised Zone for a private tour and another insight into Vietnam’s wartime past. Stopping at various important monuments along the way including the Quang Tri Citadel, Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River which demarcated North and South Vietnam. This area saw some of the heaviest fighting during the Vietnam-America war.

Day 13: Rural Hanoi
Catch a short flight this morning to the capital, Hanoi, where you will travel for an hour outside of the city to a small local village in the Thai Binh province. Here you will stay at the Moon Garden Homestay, a stunning, typically Vietnamese homestay run by owner Nguyen Thu Ha and his family who will welcome you with open arms from the moment you arrive. Enjoy a complimentary dinner prepared by your hosts and taste true authentic Vietnamese cuisine at its rural best!

Day 14: Rural Hanoi
With a full day in the village you will have plenty to keep you busy, from learning how to make the traditional Vietnamese spring rolls, to biking through the local villages, trying your hand at helping the local farmers, and after all that hard work sit back and relax with a complementary hand spa and steam bath, the perfect Vietnamese experience.

Day 15: Bui Tu Long Bay
After saying goodbye to your Vietnamese family this morning, transfer down to the port to board your Vietnamese Junk boat, Dragon Legend, where you will stay for 1 night with all meals included. Putter across the magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay – a stunning less-visited alternative to Halong Bay where you can swim, kayak or just lie back beside the pool and soak up the views. End the day with a massage at the on-board spa before enjoying dinner and retiring to your cabin for the night.

Day 16: Hanoi to UK
Enjoy sunrise with a spot of Tai Chi before breakfast over-looking the water as you float towards the harbour. Back on land you will be transferred to Hanoi and you will then have the day to explore. Look around the Old Quarter or the well-known Hoan Kiem Lake before being transferred in the early evening back to Hanoi international for your overnight flight home.

Welcome home – time to look through the photos!